Saturday, May 05, 2007

Verduzzo Friulano – Autochthon White Wine from Friuli

Verduzzo, Vermentino, Verdicchio, Vernaccia, all are difficult names to remember, all are white wines and they all sound a little alike. So they must all be the same. Nothing could be farther from the truth. To add to the confusion Verduzzo Friulano is made both as a dry white and refined sweet wine. Verduzzo Friulano is an Autochthon wine dating back into ancient times. Once widely grown in Northern Italy today it is primarily grown in the areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the northeastern section of Veneto. The dry version is grown in the plains for Friuli and is called Verduzzo Verde (green) while the sweet version, harvested later in the fall is grown in the hills and is called Verduzzo Giallo (yellow). Both versions are highly coveted by the locals of northeastern Italy. Usually the sweet version will be called by the name of the region in which it is grown while the dry Verduzzo will indicate that it is Verduzzo Friulano.

A marvelous dinner could include both wines. The dry Verduzzo with fish, omelets, white meats and delicate risotto, perhaps made with asparagus and shrimp. A Verduzzo Giallo like Ramandolo or Tarcento, both from the eastern Collio could accompany fresh cheeses and desserts. Many Friulani will also serve Verduzzo Giallo with cookies at 5 pm instead of tea.

Verduzzo will rarely price above 25$ and is a great wine to have in the cellar. Often people will by the same wine, year after year, their cellar will be full and the wines will peak without ever making it to the table. The real connoisseur will have several different wines in the cellar and understand why this particular wine is the right choice for the meal.

The dry Verduzzo Friulano is a full wine, slightly acidic and fruity. The taste is apples, apricots, pears, and nectarines.